Perth Springtime Inspiration: Nature and Exploring in the #PerthHillsArmadale Region

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So Perth30 August 2018

Where are the best places for Insta-worthy snaps this spring?

Kangaroos and wildflowers at Bungendore Park #SpringintoArmadale #PerthHillsArmadale

Look no further than a trip to the Perth Hills Armadale region for springtime inspiration. There, you’ll find incredible waterfalls, wildflower spots, spring hikes, local food and wine and much more.

Make sure you use the #perthhillsarmadale hashtag on Instagram and Twitter as you go.

Let So Perth help you explore some of the best spots of this beautiful, almost secret region, right on Perth’s doorstep.

Spring into spring in Perth – Use #PerthHillsArmadale on Insta when you’re in the Perth Hills Armadale region

Waterfalls

Serpentine Falls

Serpentine Falls - Source: Instagram @wellamyisblack

Perth’s favourite watering hole has attracted visitors for almost 100 years, and provided the Noongar people of the Whadjuk tribes with a fresh water source centuries before European settlement.

Located within Serpentine National Park (fees apply) the falls cascade down a dramatic 15m granite rock face into the rock pool below. Take a dip in the pool if you’re game (it’ll be chilly!) and venture further into the Park to follow trails past ancient rock formations and the epic landscape of the Darling Scarp.

Lesmurdie Falls

Lesmurdie Falls - Credit: @paul_cass84

To appreciate the sheer beauty and magnificence of Lesmurdie Falls we recommend taking your time and viewing from both the top, and the foot of the falls. There are two car-parks to access both the top and the bottom, located on Falls Road.

Lesmurdie Falls

It’s easy to see why Lesmurdie Falls earns the title of the Perth Hill’s “most Instagrammed” waterfalls. Following heavy rainfall water thunders down escarpment, pleasantly streaming into the brook below.

Take time to check out views across Perth from the viewing platform, on a clear day you may even catch a peek of Rottnest, or a spectacular sunset in the evening.

Sixty Foot Falls

Sixty Foot Falls, credit: @marco_bertschi

Perth’s dog friendly waterfall can be found within the Ellis Brook Valley Reserve of Banyowla Regional Park. The falls can be accessed via a short, but intense, steep walk up the face of the scarp so be ready to receive a killer leg workout.

Once you make it you’ll be rewarded with incredible sweeping views out over the Swan Coastal Plain and the falls streaming over the colourful cliff face.

Sixty Foot Falls has earned a reputation as one of the most temperamental of Perth’s waterfalls, so we recommend visiting following heavy rainfall to see it in action.

* Top Tip from the Perth Hills Visitor Centre team - remember the water and weather protection.

Local Gourmet Food

Raeburn Orchards packing shed

We all need to fuel up as part of our exploring journeys right?

We recommend that as part of your planning and before you head out exploring, to call in and stock up your all-important hiking snack supplies.

Raeburn Orchard

Raeburn Orchards in Spring

This is more than an actual operating orchard because the shop front offers a range of made in WA Perth Hills fuel in the selection of locally grown fruits, nuts and a little bit naughty chocolate coated or sweet treats, you can now even grab an on-the-go coffee from Graded Bites – the onsite café – with baristas from the former Gypsy Soul Coffee Caravan. Or a bottle of Kombucha, if that is how you might like to get your hike on.

All that exploring will leave you craving a hearty meal. There are plenty of options to seek replenishment. Check out some of our favourites:

Naked Apple Cider

Pink Magnolia flowers pop on the Cider House deck for Spring

Wild fermented cider accompanied by a sophisticated, authentic menu.

1088 Brookton Highway, Karragullen bookings recommended online or by calling 9496 1138.

Paddy’s Bush Bar and Grill

Genuine country hospitality at its best right on the doorstep of Perth.

1360 Brookton Highway, Karragullen

The Last Drop Elizabethan

Classic Last Drop Elizabethan food

Classic pub fare and local brews in an English style tavern.

25 Canns Road, Bedfordale

Wildflowers

#PerthHillsArmadale spring wildflowers: Ellis Brook Valley Nature Rambles

Spring in Western Australia means the world’s most incredible wildflowers. Every year thousands of people from around the world come to WA to explore the spectacular scenery, with hundreds of species blooming over huge parts of the state. Some of the very best sights you’ll ever see in spring are the Perth Hills Armadale blooms.

Bungendore Park

Bungendore Park

Bungendore Park, where’s that you might say? Well it’s one of the lesser known regional parks in the Perth Hills Armadale area of Bedfordale, unless you are a keen bird watcher or nature lover of course. Bring the camera for this one as you will capture some super insta-worthy snaps here. The park displays a wide range of soils, topography and vegetation , producing a rich and diverse flora (otherwise known as amazing WA wildflowers and bushes)that come to life during springtime.

Over 300 different plant species can be found, including wattles, pea flowers, bottlebrushes, grevilleas, hakeas, myrtles, trigger plants and orchids. Follow the walk trails and loops throughout Bungendore and see how many you can spot! #perthhillsarmadale.

Armadale Settlers Common

Armadale Settlers Common

The Common is the ultimate patch to explore for young wildflower enthusiasts with paved, easy access trails perfect for little legs, prams and wheelchairs. A total of 318 species can be found within the area, located within the wider Darling Range Regional Park.

Combine your nature ramble with a Geocaching adventure on a real-life treasure hunt on a Geocache Trail through Settlers Common East.

Ellis Brook Valley

Source: @chasing_katie

Even if the falls aren’t flowing (they probably are given Perth’s record rains) the Ellis Brook Valley is a must-see destination during Wildflower season with over 500 species of flora blooming throughout the Valley.

The region is also a rich breeding site and home for many native birds, with blue wrens, honey-eaters, cockatoos and even the occasional wedge-tailed eagle spotted soaring overhead.

Follow Blue Wren Ramble or the Eagle View Trail past hundreds of blooming natives, blanketing the ground with bursts of colour. The beauty of the Valley can be enjoyed by all on the Easy Walk Trail, a 500m loop with a stabilised path suitable for wheelchairs.

These are our top visited locations, but a visit to the Perth Hills Armadale Visitor Centre at 40 Jull Street, Armadale, will open the door to learn about lesser known locations, walking maps and wildflower tips.

Hypocalymma robuston flowers in bloom #PerthHillsArmadale #SpringIntoArmadale

Local Wines

Not hungry enough for a proper lunch but need something more than a light snack? Perth Hills wineries are the perfect spot to ‘wine down’ on the weekend with a crisp white or hearty red accompanied by some local fare.

Rocksgate Winery

Rocksgate Winery

Enjoy Sunday’s at Rocksgate Winery in Bedfordale with a wood-fired pizza with homemade traditional tomato sauce and fresh herbs from the winery garden, bookings recommended on 0417 985 514.

Myattsfield Vineyards

Instagram @myattsfield_vineyards

Cheese lovers, Myattsfield Vineyards is for you! Nestled in the picturesque Bickley Valley the cellar door offers a beautiful natural setting. Linger for a while and enjoy amazing vineyard views over a glass of wine, accompanied by a handpicked selected of artisanal cheeses.

Millbrook Winery

Millbrook Winery

Fancy a gourmet picnic? Millbrook Winery is your spring picnic paradise. Indulge in a decadent spread of local meats and cheeses, homemade pate and desserts in a secluded corner of the Millbrook Estate. Prices start for $70 for two people, pre-orders essential.

Spring Hikes

Hiking Trails in Armadale, Perth Hills area (Instagram @gazahern)

Hiking in the Perth Hills is spectacular during spring. Winter rainfall has the bush looking lusciously green and wildflowers burst into bloom following their winter slumber.

Kitty’s Gorge Walk

asily one of Perth’s most picturesque walks, located just 60 kilometres from Perth in the quaint and historic town of Jarrahdale. Legend has it that the walk received its name from a local cow, ‘Kitty’, who wandered off and was found in the Gorge months later.

The 16.5km trail is steep and tricky in parts, so will provide a healthy challenge for even confident hikers but the stunning scenery along the way provides a helpful distraction from any aching limbs.

The trail follows the Gooralong Brook and Serpentine River, along the way you’ll pass an old pine plantation, lush jarrah forests and an abandoned farm cottage before arriving at Serpentine Falls. Keep your eyes open for Kitty’s Gorge resident Echidna, fondly nicknamed Eddie, who is occasionally spotted taking a stroll.

The start of the trail can be accessed off Atkins Street, Jarrahdale, opposite the Cemetery.

Wungong Gorge Trails

Wungong Gorge blooming in spring

The Wungong Gorge walk is a challenging and partly off track trail which will take you exploring through the rugged beauty of the ancient Wungong Gorge.

The full loop is 15-16km in length, however can be easily customised into shorter sections depending on your hiking abilities. If you are an advanced hiker ready to check out the full loop check out these blogs; Life of Py and The Long Ways Better, do not tackle the trail unprepared, navigation skills and a GPS are essential.

For a shorter 5.5 trail through the valley begin your walk at Wungong Recreation Lake, off Admiral Road and follow the map past remnants of an old homestead, granite outcrops and old water pipelines to the end where you will reach the South Western Highway.

Note: this is not a loop so either arrange a pick up at the end or grab a hiking buddy and leave one car at the end of the trail before starting at Admiral Road.

Whistlepipe Gully

Dog friendly Whistlepipe Gully – Instagram @adventuresofdougandellie

This 3.5km walk through Mundy Regional Park is ideal for beginners, families and as an added bonus, is dog friendly!

The trail follows the Gully’s edge, taking you past babbling brooks, streams and small waterfalls tumbling over small granite outcrops. Mundy Regional Park is another hotspot for wildflowers during spring, so keep an eye out for orchids, myrtle and native wisteria in bloom.

Begin the trail at the end of Orange Valley Road, Kalamunda.